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Post by Crystal Spire on Jul 18, 2021 22:54:54 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He smoothly set about making tea while Adonias left, reaching deep into the cupboards for a long forgotten tea kettle and cups. He used to drink tea after every journey but hadn't felt like himself since the destruction of his home. Today called for tea. He breathed in the fragrant smell of the blossoms and spices after opening the tea tin then heated the water. He sighed while mechanically creating the delicious tea. He was still tired but feeling better after just the small amount of time spent with Adonias healing him. He wasn't sure how successful this journey would be with none of them at full strength but he hoped it would end with all of them restored.
Crystal:
She walked slowly back towards the ship, the suns hot on her back. She wasn't sure what type of reception she would receive. She knew the air would be thick with mistrust and unease and she dreaded stepping foot back inside of it but it was the only way forward. She squared her shoulders and walked up the ramp. As she entered, she spotted Adonias standing there waiting for her. She tensed, unsure of why Adonias was waiting. She remembered the last time she'd seen him, the fury in his eyes, and really wanted to just turn around and go back the way she had come. She hated that he had been mad at her. Why couldn't he see that they should be on the same side? Strife had already damaged her, it was only a matter of time before he did the same to Adonias. She stopped and waited for Adonias to act, bracing for the worst.
Surprised, she accepted the flowers without thought as he held them out and was silent for a moment. "Oh... Thank you. You didn't need to do this. I wasn't angry at you. I understand anger and loyalty." She rolled her eyes, "No one else seems to though." She held the bouquet to her nose for a moment, inhaling the scent. No one had ever bought her flowers before. She'd seen many of course but had never been close enough to someone for them to even have the thought cross their mind to give her flowers. "You really shouldn't have wasted your money, but they are really pretty." She reached out and ruffled Adonias' hair. "I'll try not to kill Strife again for our journey, lets go get this gear stowed." She shifted the weight of the bag of supplies hanging from one shoulder and set it down on the ship's floor.
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Adonias Altari
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Mos Espa
Jul 21, 2021 12:24:29 GMT -8
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Post by Adonias Altari on Jul 21, 2021 12:24:29 GMT -8
“That’s where you are wrong, Crystal. I needed to do this. To let you know that I’m sorry and that I...i... ahem... I love you.”
*Adonias looked at her with all seriousness, his adult personality thankfully still dominant.*
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Epona Dubh
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Post by Epona Dubh on Jul 31, 2021 21:35:29 GMT -8
A small transport appeared in the sky over Mos Espa. There was nothing significant about the ship that would attract more attention than any other vessel. The ship set down in the city spaceport landing dock B52. Powering down the hanger flew open and six men piled out of the ship, an older gent and five younger men. One of the men asked -Goon #1- "Dah boss ya want want me to let that horse woman free?" The older man responded sharply -Older Smuggler- "No leave her in there to cook a bit longer before we devour the beast." Yelling on top of that -Older Smuggler- "Let her out!!!" Two of the men turned to release the woman and ran straight into each other then collapsing to the ground. A third walked to the rear of the ship and opened the cargo bay. Epona slowly walked out. Looking around her she turned to the head of the crew with jaw agape. Finally she asked -Epona- "You brought me here?" Eyes following a passing Tusken she turned back and asked - Epona- "Why is that man wrapped up in tensor bandages?" The Older Smuggler walked over to Epona. He too turned his head around getting a lay of familiar land -Older Smuggler- "James Tom Maytoe by the way." Gesturing to the younger smuggler - Tom Maytoe - "And this is Arme Pitt." Hand swinging to point out another man - Tom Maytoe - "This fellow is Pete the Pilot. Got us here." Thumb gesturing to the three men behind - Tom Kantor- And behind me idly standing by are my hired help, Goon1, Goon2 and Goon3." Breathing in deeply then slowly exhaling he asked -Tom Maytoe- "Don't you love the desert air?" The dentist snapped back - Epona- "I'd love to bury an axe in the side of your head." Tom began to walk away from the spaceport into the remarkable little town. Eyes sweeping her surrounds she stated -Epona- "I must admit they the architecture is extraordinary." The words brought a smile to Tom's fa! ce; he too found Mos Espa beautiful -Tom Maytoe- "You know I was going to suggest that you dress down a bit of something in order to be less conspicuous." Both Epona and Tom broke out laughing at that lead balloon of an idea
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Epona Dubh
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Post by Epona Dubh on Aug 1, 2021 17:09:38 GMT -8
A subtle move touched upon sensitive ears and the hair on the centuar's arms stood up. Turning she suddenly bolted and began to move. A delicate center evolved quickly into a more vigorous trot. By the time she had put several meters behind her Epona was galloping. Head swing back she yelled out -Epona- "I'll be back!" And she quickly disappeared . The smuggler shrugged -Tom Maytoe- "Drink?" His question unanswered the man walked away and his crew followed
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Twi'leck Triplet Dubh
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Post by Twi'leck Triplet Dubh on Aug 8, 2021 18:39:13 GMT -8
Chin rising God saw the Mos Espa Spaceport coming into focus. Hitting the runway they ran the course. Finally coming to a complete stop, the hatch was thrown open. On land ing they were greeted by courteous, professional spaceport staff. With all wanted baggage offloaded the ship was left in trusty hands to store, a I'D card and hand scan performed on Gid. And they were informed that they wanted Mos Eisley. Shuffled back on the ship the girls ripped out of the town as quickly as they came
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Post by Crystal Spire on Aug 13, 2021 19:26:17 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He looked over his shoulder at the two young individual's behind him as he steeped the spices and tea leaves in the fragile pot. His hands knew every movement by heart and his eyes missed nothing as he took in Adonias' bold declaration and Crystal's awkward reaction. He poured the hot tea into three individual cups and balanced them on an even more delicate tray before making his way over to the children. He was just in time to hear Crystal respond to Adonias.
Crystal:
She stood frozen for one moment, the flowers heavy in her arms. Love. What did that even mean in this cruel galaxy that laughed as children lost loved ones and ignored the suffering of everyone. She lost focus for a moment and could only see darkness for one second and shouting seemed to echo in her ears. Dizzy, she came back to the present. The past was horrifying, everyone who had loved her had died. "No." The word was out of her mouth before she even meant to speak. "No..." She continued slightly softer, trying to gentle her protest. "You don't know me well enough to claim such emotion." She looked down at the flowers she still clutched, almost crushed. "But maybe you will someday." She met Strife's gaze as he walked up to them and the sympathy reflected back at her was almost enough to spark anger again, waging strongly against the despair. But instead she accepted a cup of tea and drank deeply, inhaling it's fragrant scent as she indulged.
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Adonias Altari
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Mos Espa
Aug 14, 2021 5:05:30 GMT -8
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Post by Adonias Altari on Aug 14, 2021 5:05:30 GMT -8
*Adonias waited with baited breath. Her firm “No”, seemed to deflate him and crush his spirit. He nodded numbly, forlornly and turned away. Ignoring Strife, he refused a cup of tea and headed for his old bunk in the prison cell, feeling both exhausted and drained as his five-year-old personality fought for dominance.
Flopping on the hard bunk, he pulled a ratty, brown blanket over himself and closed his eyes. Letting out a sigh, he allowed his mind to wander. Thinking about the past, present, and a future that only seemed to grow more bleak. Burying his head beneath the drab fabric, he did so to try and discourage anyone from talking to him should they be foolish enough to try.*
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Post by Crystal Spire on Aug 14, 2021 18:00:29 GMT -8
Crystal:
She watched the boy walk away from the corner of her eye though she pretended not to notice him. The steam from the tea curled around her face, prompting memories long buried. Abruptly she turned to Strife. "Why do you always make tea? You made it for me at all the most random times, when I don't even ask for tea. We are on a forsaken ball of sand and you are making us tea." She shook her head derisively but finished the tea slowly as she waited for an answer.
Darth Strife:
He walked back to the kitchen nook and set the tray down, taking his time before responding to Crystal's question. Picking up his own cup of tea he blew on it slowly, staring into it's amber depths. "I suppose the tea reminds me of a perfect world. And it's my way of helping you to slow down and learn balance. Perhaps that doesn't make sense but it always worked. You always stopped moving, craving, struggling; when I brewed a pot of tea." Strife looked up and his gaze remained on Adonias, curled up alone. "Sometimes, you don't always see what is going on right before your eyes and tea helped you with that. I'm not good with softness or warmth but tea and lightning were my specialties." He chuckled self depreciatively. "Finish your tea and stow the gear. I'm going to go fire up the ship and get us on our way." Strife walked off towards the cockpit, still holding the tea cup.
Crystal:
She watched her old master walk away and blinked wordlessly after him. She couldn't remember a point in time when he had ever explained that much to her. She wasn't sure what to make of it. She finished her tea with one swallow. One would think the sith lord was getting soft. She snorted, then walked over to the counter and set the cup down. Hesitating, she looked over at Adonias, then set about filling a pitcher with water for the rumpled flowers.
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Adonias Altari
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Mos Espa
Aug 14, 2021 18:21:22 GMT -8
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Post by Adonias Altari on Aug 14, 2021 18:21:22 GMT -8
*As Adonias drifted to sleep, he began to dream. He began to see a story play out…one that was both familiar, yet foreign.
A little girl was giggling hysterically…Crystal? It was a younger Crystal…she was laughing as a man tickled her sides playfully. She squealed in delight, tears squeezing out of the corner of her eyes as a slender, second pair of hands took over for the first. A beautiful woman, one who resembled Crystal in appearance, laughed along with the child. The woman pulled the young girl into a warm embrace, stroking her hair lovingly as she whispered in her small ear.
"I'm going to tell you a secret...mommy and daddy love you. Forever and always."
A young boy who appeared to be close in age to Crystal appeared and huffed with an eye roll. "Don't forget about me!"
The woman smiled apologetically and grinned as the man ruffled the boy's hair, earning a soft whine.
"Yes, Garnet loves you too, Crystal."
"Forever and always?" The young girl whispered softly with wide eyes.
"Forever and always."
*The dreamscape drastically changed. The background became darker and was lined in a red hue. Adonias screamed out a warning but it was too late. He watched the gruesome murder of Crystal's family, although the culprit remained cloaked in shadow. He could hear their screams of terror and of pain...and he could do nothing...only watch the horror unfold.*
*Adonias awoke with a scream, feeling his clothes soaked in a thin layer of sweat. That dream....it had been real...too real.
Stretching, the boy went to the cockpit to find Strife. When he found him, Adonias looked both troubled and angry.*
“Father… you have a lot of explaining to do.”
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Twi'leck Triplet Dubh
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Post by Twi'leck Triplet Dubh on Sept 17, 2021 19:58:42 GMT -8
The tour that The Twi'leck Three traveled across the desolate lonely planet ironically filled all the girls with emotion. Even Shakk, rising up from the inner shell in which she so oft existed, smiled pointing out natural landmarks. And her eyes were always searching for the evidence the human hand etched into the surface of the planet. Of course, as it on cue the ship then passing over Mos Espa inspiring a small tug at the heart. Then suddenly edging upwards the ship shot high disappearing into the clouds
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Post by Crystal Spire on Mar 6, 2022 22:53:21 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He looked up as the boy entered the cockpit. Glancing quickly at his rumpled hair and distressed face, he turned completely in his chair and sat his cup down on the center console. "What do you mean?" Surprise laced his voice. He wasn't sure what prompted the child's sudden questioning and couldn't imagine what the five year old wanted him to explain. "I was just checking the ship's systems, making sure we were safe to set off to find the second relic. Is something wrong?"
Crystal:
She settled the flowers in a pitcher of sparkling water and left it on the counter in the breakfast nook. Moodily she hefted the pack of gear and made her way to her room, deciding that she may as well just leave everything in there instead of putting it away right now. After everything that had happened today, she just wanted to be alone. She frowned back at the still form of Adonias as she left the cargo area but then turned resolutely away. She shut the door to her room firmly behind her. She didn't want to talk to anyone and after throwing her pack down in a corner, she collapsed bonelessly on her bed. Closing her eyes, she drifted inwards, instantly falling into a deep sleep. The change in body structure and intense emotions she had experienced throughout the day had exhausted every fiber of her being.
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Adonias Altari
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Mos Espa
Mar 7, 2022 4:54:27 GMT -8
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Post by Adonias Altari on Mar 7, 2022 4:54:27 GMT -8
*Adonias glared heatedly at Darth Strife, though his expression on a five year olds face looked more like an adorable pout. He didn't bother hiding his anger, letting that emotion bleed through their force bond*
“Why did you abandon Crystal? I've heard her side of the story. Now I need to know yours. Why won’t you keep your promises? You know who killed her family…don’t you.” *The latter part of his accusation was more of a statement than a question. The man turned boy, gave the sith a stony, expectant stare*
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Post by Crystal Spire on Mar 14, 2022 6:16:26 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. Why were these questions coming up now? Irritation flared hot and bitter. He had never abandoned Crystal. She had disappeared one day while on a mission and he had searched long and hard for that girl but it was as if the winds of time had erased her completely and despite how he meditated, he had never even touched her through the force. "I don't know what you are talking about." The words were out of his mouth before he even considered whether to tell Adonias the truth. "Besides, we don't have time for this. We don't know how long we have to reverse this aging affect on you all and if we don't hurry, it may end up being too late." His tone was laced with real worry. He picked his cup back up and avoided eye contact by taking a sip, nerves making his hand twitch slightly causing the cup to shake.
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Adonias Altari
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Post by Adonias Altari on Mar 14, 2022 11:08:01 GMT -8
*Adonias released a small growl and crossed small arms over his chest*
"Fine. We will talk about this later."
*The boy turned as though to leave and looked back over his shoulder with a serious expression*
"And I want the real truth. I think you owe me that."
*The man turned boy was about to leave but clutched his head as if in pain."
"Oh no...not again..."
*Before Adonias could say another word, his child personality arose to the surface of his mind, and he stood there looking confused and lost. The boy took in his surroundings and when his gaze fell on Strife, his expression turned sad*
"Father, what am I doing here? I don't remember waking up! Was I sleeping? Can I sit with you?" the boy questioned as his anxiety grew.
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Post by Crystal Spire on Mar 18, 2022 16:36:32 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He set his cup of half drank tea down again at his son's distress. Several emotions warred in his chest but he gave the child a half smile in response to his question, realizing he had slipped into a child mindset once more. "Hello, Adonias. Come here, sit with me for a moment while I get the ship started." He patted the co-pilot chair next to him reassuringly. He had never been able to stay mad near his son. "You just had a nap so I hope you are feeling better now. I can tell you a story if you like to pass the time while we wait for this thing to warm up?" He glared half seriously at his ship. It needed a tune-up. But there was no time for that. The panic building in his chest was one of those pesky emotions he fought off to give his son his full attention.
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Adonias Altari
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Post by Adonias Altari on Mar 18, 2022 16:44:14 GMT -8
*Adonias nodded with a happy grin*
"Yes, tell me a story daddy!"
*The child went and sat in the co-pilot's seat, giving Strife his undivided attention.*
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Post by Crystal Spire on Mar 18, 2022 17:07:06 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
The man smiled softly, almost staring through his son as he thought back a very long time. Gathering his thoughts, he worked on getting the ship ready to take off while simultaneously giving Adonias a distraction. "Once, a long time ago, there was a beautiful planet. There were huge trees on this planet, marshes and lakes as far as the eye could see and for the most part, the creatures were friendly and there was balance in the force. On the planet, there was a wonderful family. There was a mother, a father, and two little children." He stopped to gather his thoughts, focusing on the ship for a moment as it awoke beneath his administrations. The planet really had been beautiful, though ravaged when he had visited it. He shuddered slightly and hoped Adonias would appreciate the details he was imparting to his younger self as this was painful to recount. He couldn't tell him everything as it wasn't his tale to tell but hopefully this made up for his earlier refusal. "The family had a small farm and fished in the nearby river to add meat to the table. They spent so much time in laughter, the children played and then they all sat around the table at night to tell stories almost like the one I am telling you now." He looked over at Adonias, not sure if he lost his attention yet but continuing the story regardless. "The girl was named Crystal and her little brother Garnet looked up to her immensely. He followed her around and copied everything she did and she adored him in return. Together they learned how to walk, run, and fish as they aged. And for awhile, the peace continued."
He frowned, staring blankly ahead now. "But peace always ends, as it is a lie. A darkness visited that family. All but Crystal perished. She was so sad, she missed her family so much. But after crying by herself for awhile she realized she could do something. She could kill the darkness that still haunted her dreams. She just needed power." He flipped one final switch and the ship rose slowly into the air. 'Shade' was a powerful ship and was designed well. Despite the flaws and updates it needed, it would carry them quickly to their next destination. "She went on a long journey to find a mean man she had heard whispers about. Once she found him, she realized she had found her second home. For the man was mean, but so was she. And together they had a bond in pain and loss that lent them closeness over the years." Letting out a deep breath he hadn't realized he had been holding he finished in a rush. "and everyone lived happily ever after because power can't keep those you love from dying but it can bring about vengeance."
He looked over at his son shakily and reached over to help him strap in. "Time to get that second relic. I am glad you are with me on this journey, Adonias."
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Adonias Altari
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Post by Adonias Altari on Mar 18, 2022 17:19:19 GMT -8
*Adonias listened, enraptured by the story. He remained silent, managing to quell any questions since the story seemed to answer a few as the tale went on. He recognized Crystal's name. When the tale was ended he couldn't help but ask at least ONE question...*
"Crystal? Like the cranky Crystal we are traveling with? She seems...upset. Why is she upset?"
*Not realizing his one question turned into three, he asked yet another with a puzzled expression.*
"What's a relic?"
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Post by Crystal Spire on Mar 18, 2022 19:24:05 GMT -8
Darth Strife:
He maneuvered the ship into the atmosphere of Tatooine, focused on navigating safely more than he was on his son now that he was in motion. Absently he responded, "Yes, Crystal like who we are traveling with. It is a common name though." He punched in coordinates and moved the ship towards open space before he caught what else Adonias had asked. "Crystal? it's complicated. She is mad because she feels alone mostly though. Very alone. Loneliness can make people cranky." He grimaced, hoping he hadn't given any insight into his own character but consoling himself with knowing a 5 year old most likely wouldn't pick up on the meaning behind his words. "I will show you what a relic is, then you will understand. Hang on, there's a bit of a journey ahead!" Then the ship entered space fully.
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Adonias Altari
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Post by Adonias Altari on Mar 18, 2022 19:38:02 GMT -8
*Adonias buckled himself in the flight restraints as though he'd done it dozens of times before. He remained silent as the ship entered open orbit above Tatooine, mesmerized by the twinkling starlight outside the forward viewport.*
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